Pallett Hill Quarry Achieves PRIME Status

31 August 2017

Better known as a garrison town for the British Army, Catterick in North Yorkshire is now cementing its reputation for professionalism as home to the latest quarry site to achieve PRIME site status from the Institute of Quarrying (IQ).

CEMEX’s Pallett Hill Quarry is situated on the edge of the rural North Yorkshire village. It is known locally for high quality aggregates and ready mix concrete which is delivered across the region. The site was awarded PRIME (Professional Recognition in Mineral Extraction) status at the start of August 2017.

Sam Shepherd has been the Assistant quarry manager and then Quarry manager at CEMEX’s Pallett Hill quarry over last three years. He says: “My first involvement with PRIME was back in 2015 and I immediately knew that this was a standard this site could and would achieve. It has the associated professional benefits of being recognised for what we do, as well as the joint kudos for everyone involved at Pallett Hill, as achieving PRIME is a true team effort.”

PRIME is the driving force behind the introduction of the new Technical Member (TMIQ) grade. TMIQ is awarded to employees who achieve vocational and other qualifications, along with the completion of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Mike Phillips, General Manager, IQ personally conducted the site audit at Pallett Hill.

The quarry is a site close to his heart, having being involved with the site earlier in his career. Mike commented: “It was great to spend time at Pallett Hill and it brought back many happy memories. Having visited and toured this site I can see a real change. The continued improvements are really noticeable and I hope the further work into the future carries on. The introduction of a quarry vegetable patch was one of many innovative ideas where managers, supervisors and operatives can truly work together and glean true value from their time at work. Personally I was very impressed with Sam’s attitude and approach towards modern day quarry management and this clearly shows it works.”

Sam Shepherd, Quarry Manager, CEMEX, adds: “Having being involved in the steering group for PRIME, I understand the rigour with which the audit process is undertaken, so I am very proud of the team here for being recognised as the true professionals that they are. I know that we are one of the first within CEMEX to achieve this accolade, and hope that many sites will follow in our footsteps. This process has led to improvement not only for myself and my team, but for the site as a whole. We all understand the value of increased morale and engagement, and the celebration of this achievement, along with the friendly competition it will engender is a positive influence for all.”